Adventurous off-roaders put pedal to the metal

As they raced towards the finish line, many of the drivers who competed in the Indus River Cross Jeep Race managed to secure key finishing positions. The drivers left no stone unturned to show off their driving prowess as they took top honours in the 12th edition of the event.

Jointly organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) and the Frontier 4x4 Club, the race saw the participation of over 80 4x4 jeeps from various cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Peshawar and elsewhere.

KPCTA Director General Tashfeen Haider was the chief guest at the event. He was also accompanied by Frontier 4x4 Club president Babar Khan, members from the PMRC Club, Lahore, Islamabad Jeep Club and other key personalities.

A track of about 2.5 kilometers was set up along the fast-moving waters and rocky paths of the Indus River. The race was held in three categories, Category A for 0 to 2500cc, Category B for 2500cc to open, and Category C was open.

In the A category, Dr Nadeem Naeem secured first place with a time of 4 minutes and 38 seconds, followed by Arshad in second place with 4 minutes and 39 seconds, and Babar in third place with a time of 5 minutes.

In the B category, Mansoor Ali clinched first position with a time of 5 minutes and 29 seconds, Rizwan Meshhadi grabbed second place with 5 minutes and 50 seconds, and Wali finished third with 6 minutes and 51 seconds.

In the C category, Imran Haider stood first in the vintage race with a time of 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

Speaking on the occasion, Tashfeen Haider praised the drivers from various cities for their excellent participation in the race. He added that next year, drivers from the merged districts, who are passionate about 4x4 jeep racing, would also be included in the competitions.

The DG said that the KPCTA is organising more activities and various events would soon be held in the merged districts as well.

The aim of the event was to promote adventure tourism as well as water sports activities in the province.